Tractor propelled implement



Aug. 7, 1945.

G. w. MORK TRACTOR PROPELLED iEMPLEMENT Original Filed May .1, 1942 2 Sheets-:Sheet 1 ATTORNEY-5.

Aug. 7, 1945. G. w. MORK TRACTOR PROPELLED IMPLEMENT 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed May 1, 1942 jeoy INVENTOR. BY 'flwiv/ ATTORNEYS tions. If the push-arms are Reissued Aug, 7, 1945 UNITED STATES PA ENT OFFICE raso'ron rnornLusn IMPLEMENT George w. Moi-k, South Milwaukee, Wis., assignor to Bucyrus Erie Company, South Milwaukee, Wis a corporation of Delaware Original No. 2,345,620, dated April 4, 1844, Serial No. 441,306, May 1, 1942. Application for reissue December 29, 1944, Serial No. 570,415

12 Claims My invention relates to. new and useful improvcments in tractor propelled and operated implements, and more tractors.

Implements of that type are adapted to be atparticularly push-scoops for tached to conventional tractors, either wheeled or creeping-traction, preferably the latter. The.

implement proper is usually mounted on the ends of-two arms, which straddle the tractor laterally. are supported b the main tractor frame and/or the traction frames. and extend in front digging, or will not be far enough in front when raised to dump. But if the rear ends of the push-arms run in slides, or are telescoping, instead of being pivoted, such construction is can pensive and ill-adapted to take the heavy thrust reactions of diggins, nd is likely to become clogged with dirt.

Accordingly the principal object of my invention is to devise a push scoop for tractors which will have all of the advantages and none of the disadvantages of each ofthese methods of mounting.

In addition to this object, I have worked out a number of novel and useful details, which will be readily evident as the descrip ion progrebses.

My invention consists inthe novel parts and in the combination and arrangement thereof, which are defined in the appended claims. and of which one embodiment is exemplified in the aceompanying-drawings, which are hereinafter particularly described and explained.

Throughout the description, the same-reference number isapplied to the same member or tosimllar members.

Figure 1 is the side elevation of my scoop in dissing position.

Figure 2 is the same in dumping position. Fi ure {is the rear-elevation of my scoop in digging position, taken along the line 8-8 of 1 and cut partly away onthe left side. Figure 4 is an enlarged side elevation of the bracket which supports one of my pistons on the illtraction frame, and of the mounting of said bracket, all along the lines 4-4 of Figure 3.

Fi ure 5 is the front elevation of this bracket and its mounting, taken-along the lines H of Figure 4. 4

Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 3, we see that ii is a conventional tractor, mounted on creeping traction frames'lf. The details of the tractor form no part of my invention, and are. im-

material except so far as hereinafter discussed.

A cross-shaft II is Journaled in brackets II, which in turn are risidlys ecured to the main tractor frame Ii. I

Keyed to shaft is are two upwardly projecting links ll, each of which supports llivotally at its upper rear end the rear end of one of push-arms II; but this is merely the preferable means of I mounting these links. Intermediate the ends of each push-arm II are; two upstanding brackets.

IT, in which are lo aled the trunnions. ll of a fluid pressure cyiind r ll. These cylinders are preferably double-acting.

The piston rod ll of each cylinder II i pivoted to a bracket 2i, which is secured to enact the traction frames in a manner which will be later described herein.

Carried by each push-arm II is a roller II. or

other convenient guide, which slides in a vertical guideway I} supported by the main tractor frame in any convenient manner. As shown, the-guideway 28 is secured to a bracket Non the main frame, and braced by a back brace". The two guide-ways II are tied together at their-tops by a cross-brace ll. 7

. An adjustable stop I! is carried by each bracket I l, to limit the downward motion of the rear end of the corresponding push-arm l0. Preferably. but not necessarily, this stop is so carried, and bears against link II. I

It is to be noted that, at the bottom of each suideway II; the front thereof is curved at practically the same curve as. and the back thereof is curved a little more sharply than, a circular, are

7 about the lowest position of the rear pivot of. the

\ ends "of the push-arms are in their lowest posi- -'tion. the front thrust, stops 21 maybe In place of the guideways 22 and rollers 22', substantially the same vertical movement cit-that part of arms liwhere rollers 22 are located could be attained by substituting, for the guideways and rollers, two long links pivoted to the arms at 22, and to the main tractor frame at a remote point located substantially in the perpendicular bisector of guideways 2!. Accordingly when, in the claims, I specify "means to constrains. point on the arm to move substantially vertically," I do not intend to be limited to the guideway-roller combination.

The front end'of the, push-arms are tied together by a cross torque-box 28. The digging dipper 28 is pivotedto the push arms. Chains 30,

with shock-absorbing springs 3i, constrain the degree of dumping tilt of the dipper.

The dipper is held in digging position, as hown in Figure vl, by a dipper-latch 32, the details of the position of Figure 2. And B is an interme- I diate position, suchthat the upward pull of link which form no part of my present invention.

The latch can be tripped by lever ll, controllable,

(not'shown).

In place of dipper 28, I could substitute any alternative material-handling instrumentality (such, for example, as the dumping bulldozer blade of my copending application, Serial No.

I in conventional manner, by an appropriate cord 406,091, filed August 9, 1941, now Patent No.

2,303,319, granted December 1, 1942) without thereby departing from the spirit of my present invention.

Figures 4 and 5 show the method whereby I attach my bracket II to the traction frames of the particular form of tractor employed by me, al-

though these details form no part of the present invention. Y Supported on the inner and outer channels I! of the traction frames, there is a housing 33.

which exists for the dualpurpose of covering the spring-iake-up (not shown) and providing outer bosses 84 and inner bosses 3! for the attachment of auxiliary equipment. To the outer bosses II I secure bent plate ll by b'olts 21. A foot SI of my bracket II projects through a ga 3! in the housing I, and rest on channel If, to which it is secured by bolts ll.

It will be noted that foot 38 is directly under the tion of the links II will as closely as possible The interrelation between these two reactions will now be discussed. Referring to Figure 2, let us consider three positions of the upper end pivot of link l5. A -is the position of Figure 1. C is I! will be directed exactly at the rear axle (i. e., the axle about which the main tractor frame ll Pivots on the track frames l2) Between} and B, link I! tends to lift the front of the tractor frame. tends to depress the front of the tractor frame.

Corresponding positions of guide-roller 22 are correspondingly marked A, B and C. Note that here A is a line rather than a point. It can be demonstrated mathematically that here a ain B is almost exactly the point at which the direction of push against the guideways reverses.

Above B, the roller bears against the rear guide, thus tending to-lift the front of the tractor .frame.

Below B" the roller bears against the front guide, thus tending to depress the front of the tractor frame. In the field, it is interesting to observe the direction of rotation of the guideroller reverse as it passes through this point.

Thus the reactions of links IS on the tractor frame and of guideways 23 on the tractor frame tend to offset each other throughout the entire cycle, thus reducing the strain on the springs which support the front of the tractor-frame on the track frames.

Still referring to Figure 2, the corresponding successive positions of the trunnion it have been marked A", B", and C", and a line has been drawn through these points to indicate the path of travel of the trunnion. Note that here again thrust of piston-rod at. and hence transmits that thrust to the inner channel I! without side thru t. But bracket II is further secured. for mere ateadying purposes, to bosses I by bolts ll, and to beat plate is by bolts 42. a a

, Reverting now to the cylinder-piston assembly. it should be noted that. although hi hly preferable, it is not essential that the cylinder be pivoted on'the push-arm, and the piston on the traction frame, rather tlmn vice-verse, nor that either be pivoted on the traction frame, rather than on some other portion of the tractor.

The location and direction of thrust of the piston is important, although not essential. If located too far .to the rear, too much force is required; whereas, if located too far to the front, too much travel is required.

I1 link I! be too long. the dipper will not rise euiliciently, unless we provide unduly high guide- 1 ways and cylinders, which would interfere with a clearance. But, on the other hand, it link I! be too short, the dipper will be too inclined and too far to the rear in its dumping position. And. if.

link ll be much too short, guide 22 will be constrained against travelling all the way up guideway II.

As for direction of thrust of the piston, it is lighly advisable that this 'be such that the reac *A" is a succession of positions rather than a single position.

It will be seen that I have so adjusted the location, dimensions and proportions of the pusharms ll, links II, piston assemblies ll, 20, and

guides, that the path of travel of each tliilb. Q

nion I8 is practically a straight line, and that the corresponding piston acts substantially along this line during the entire travel.

Having now described and illustrated on form of my invention, 1 wish it to be unders that my invention is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein desc'riged and shown. v

In the claims, when I mention the tractor," I

intend indiscriminately any part of the tractbr as a whole. when I intend either the main tractor frame or the traction frames, I shall so specify.

I claim:

1.In a material-handling implement for attachment to a tractor which has a main frame and two traction frames pivotally attached thereto, the combination of: two arms; and the implement proper", attached to the arms; each arm being supported and manipulated by the following described mechanism: a linkypivotally attached to the main tractor frame near the rear thereof and projecting upwardly therefrom, and pivotally attached to the rear end of the arm, and so disposed that at some intermediate position or this link its line of action will intersect the line of pivotalattachment of the traction frames to the main tractor frame; a stop, carried by the Between B and C, link I! paces w proximately a straight line, substantially coincident with the line of action of the piston in all positions thereof.

2. In a material-handling implement forattachment to a tractor which has a main frame and two traction frames pivotally attached thereto, the combination of: two arms; and the implement proper, attached to the arms; each arm being supported and manipulated by the following described mechanism: a link, pivotally attached to the main tractor frame near the rear thereof and projecting upwardly therefrom, and

, pivotally'attached to the arm, and so disposed that at some intermediate position of this link its line-oi action willintersect the line of pivotal attachment of the traction frames to the main tractor frame; a substantially vertical guideway, carried by the main tractor frame near the front thereof; guide means, carried by the arm, to engage the guideway; and a cylinder-piston assembly, pivotally attached to the arm intermediate the point of attachment of the link and the guide means, and pivotally supported by the traction frame; the cylinder-piston assembly being s disposed that the path of the pivotal attachment to the arm is approximately a straight line, substantially coincident with the line of action of the piston in all positions thereof.

3. In a material-handling implement for "attachm'ent to a tractor, the combination of: two

arms; each arm being supported and manipulated by the following described mechanism: a link, pivotally attached to the main tractor frame near the rear thereof, and pivotally attached to the arm; means attached to the arm to constrain a point on the arm to move substantially vertically; and a cylinder-piston assembly, pivotally attached to the arm intermediate the point of attachment of the link and the point of attachment of the last-named means, and pivot ally supported by the tractor; the cylinder-piston assembly being so disposed that the path of the pivotal attachment to the arm is approxiinately a straight line, substantially coincident with'the line of action of the piston in all positions thereof.

4. In a material-handling implementfor attachment to a tractor which has a. main frame and two traction frames pivotally attached thereto, the combination of: two arms, one for each side of the tractor; and the implement proper,

attached to the arms;' each arm being supported and manipulated by the following described mechanism: a link, pivotally supported by the tractor, and pivotally attached to the arm, and

so disposed that at some intermediate position of this link its line of action will intersect the line of pivotal attachment of the traction frames to the main tractor frame; a substantially vertical guideway, carried by the main tractor frame near the front thereof; guide means, carried by the arm, to engage the guideway; a cylinder, pivotally attached to the arm, intermediate the point of attachment of the link and the guidemeans: and a'piston, in the cylinder, pivotally supported by the traction frame; the push-arms, the cylinderpiston assembly, the links, and the guideways being so positioned and proportioned that the reactions of the forces imposed on the links by expansion of the cylinder-piston assembly in substantially all positions of the push-arms, will impose upon the main tractor frame a torque "about tached to the main tractor frame near the rear thereofand projecting upwardly therefrom, and pivotally attached to the arm, and so disposed that at some intermediate position of this'link it line of action will intersect the line of pivotal attachment of the traction frames to the main tractor frame; a stop, carried by the main tractor frame, and adapted to limit the downward motion of the rear end of the arm; a substantially vertical guideway, carried by the main tractor frame near the front thereof; guide means, carried by the arm, to engage the guideway during .the upper portion of its travel, and to be freeof the guideway during the lower portion of its travel; and a cylinder-piston assembly, pivotally attached to the arm intermediate'the point of attachment of the link and the guide means, and pivotally supported by the traction frame; the

push-arms, the cylinder-piston assembly, the links, and the guideways being so positioned and proportioned that the reactions of the forces imposed on the links by expansion of the cylinderpiston assembly, in substantially all positions of the push-arms, will impose upon the main tractor frame a torque about its pivot of attachment to the traction frames opposite in sense to the torque imposed thereon and thereabout by virtue of the forces imposedon the guideways by the expansion of the cylinder-piston assembly.

6. In a material-handling implement-for attachment to a tractor which has a main frame and-two traction frames pivotally attached thereto, the combination of: two arms; and the implement proper, attached to the arms; each arm being supported and manipulated by the following described mechahism: a link, pivotally attached to the main tractor frame near the rear thereof and projecting upwardly therefrom, and pivotally attached to the arm, and so disposed that at some intermediate position of this link its line of ac tion will intersect the line of pivotal attachment of the traction frames to the main tractor frame; a stop, carried by the main tractor frame,

and adapted to limit the downward motion of the rear end of the arm; means, attached to the arm, to constrain a point on the arm to move posed on the links by expansion of the cylinderpiston assembly, in substantially all positions of the push-arms, will impose upon the main tractor frame a torque about its pivot of attachment to the traction frames opposite in sense to the torque imposed thereon and thereabout by virtue of the forces imposed on the guideways by the expansion of the cylinder-piston assembly.

'1. In a material-handling implement for attachment to a tractor which has. a main frame and two traction frames pivotally attached thereto, the combinationof: two arms; and the implement proper, attached to the arms; each arm being supported and manipulated by the following described mechanism: a link, pivotally attached to the arm, and so disposed that at some I intermediate position of this link its line of action will intersect the line of pivotal attachment of the traction frames to the main tractor frame; astop, adapted to limit the downward motion of the rear end of the arm; a substantially ver-' tical guideway, carried by the main tractor frame near the'front thereof; guide means, carried by the arm, to engage the guideway during the upincident with the line of action ofthe liftin means in all positions of the arm. a r

10. A material-handling implement according to claim 8, further characterized by the fact that all three means are so disposed and proportioned that the reactions imposed on the first means by the lifting force of the third means, in substantialiy all positions of the arms, will impose upon the main tractor frame a torque about its axis of attachment to the traction frames, opposite in sense to the torque imposed thereon and thereabout by virtue of the forces imposed on the second means by thelifting force of the third means.

11. In a material-handling implement for attachment to a tractor which has a main frame and two traction frames pivotally attached thereto, the combination of: two arms, one for each side of the tractor; and the implement proper, at-

per portion of its travel, and to be free of the guideway during the lower portion of its travel;

and a cylinder-piston assembly, pivotally attached to the arm intermediate the point of'attachment of the link and the guide means, andpivotally supported by the traction frame.

8. In a material-handling implement for attachment to a tractor which has a main frame and two traction frames pivotally attached there-- to, the combination of: two arms'; and the implement proper, attached to the arms: the arms being supported and manipulated by the following described mechanism; means, carried by the main frame, to support and guide the rear of the arms in a path above the axis of pivotal attachment of the traction frames to the main frame, I

said path being so disposed that a line perpendicular to the path in its rear portion will lie forward of said axis, and that a line perpendicular to the path in its forward portion will lie to the rear of said axis; means, carried by the main tached to the arms; each arm being supported and manipulated by the following described mechanism: a link, pivotally supported by the main tractor frame near the rear thereof and projecting upwardly therefrom, and pivotally attached to the arm; a stop, adapted to limit the downward motion of the rear end of the arm; a substantially vertical guideway, carried by the main tractor frame near the front thereof; guide means carried by the arm, to engage the guideway during the upper portion of -its travel, and to be free of the guideway during the power portion of its travel; and means, carried by the traction-frame, tolmpose a-'lifting force on the arm, intermediate the point of attachment of the link and the guide means.

12. In a material-handling implement for attachment toa tractor which has. a main frame and two traction frames pivotally attached thereto. the combination of: two arms; and the implement proper, attached to. the arms; each arm being supported and manipulated by the following described mechanism: means, carried by:

the main frame, to support and guide the rear of frame, to support and guide the front of the arms in a substantially vertical p'ath; and lifting means, supported by the traction frames, and applied to the arms intermediate the two firstmentioned means,

9. A material-handling implement according to claim 8, further characterized by the fact that the lifting means of each arm is so disposed that the path of its point of application to the arm is approximately a straight line, substantialLv oothe arms in an upwardly and forwardly in-- 'clined path above and to the rear of the axis of pivotal attachment of the traction frames to the main frame; means, carried by the main frame. to support and guide the front of the arms in a substantially vertical path; and lifting means, supported by the traction frames, and applied to the arms intermediate the two first-mentioned means.

GEORGE W. MORK. 

